The list of accredited language test providers is part of the eligibility criteria that institutions need to fulfil to gain accreditation under the scheme.

Other exam boards included in the list are Trinity College London, Cambridge English, IELTS and ETS.

“We are honoured that LanguageCert is now officially listed amongst those awarding bodies whose qualifications meet the BAC eligibility criteria for the IELP Scheme,” Marios Molfetas, language qualifications director of LanguageCert said.

“LanguageCert has made huge strides in global recognition”

LanguageCert head of business development Henry Tolley told The PIE News that the inclusion in the BAC IELP eligibility criteria will support the exam board’s global expansion.

“Already in less than one year, LanguageCert has made huge strides in global recognition,” he said.

Launched earlier this year, the BAC IELP is an accreditation scheme for EFL schools worldwide. According to BAC CEO Paul Fear, the scheme aims to extend the same quality assurance standards required in mainstream education to the EFL sector.

As explained by Fear, one of the key elements of the scheme is assessment, ensuring that students meet the English language levels for external examinations.

“Including external examination requirements delivered by credible awarding bodies within our accreditation eligibility criteria in turn reassures students, parents and partners of the high quality of their chosen English language provider,” Fear said in a statement.

“The inclusion of LanguageCert as one of the recognised awarding bodies in our eligibility criteria, sends a clear message to education providers applying for accreditation and supports the standards BAC is passionate about.”

In order to be included in the BAC IELP list of recognised external awarding bodies, exam boards need to fulfil five criteria, including recognition by their national qualifications regulator.